6-month program to kick off Sept. 25 at ADA Headquarters in Chicago

Applications are open for the 2026-27 ADA Certified Clinic Director Program, a professional development program designed for dentists who serve in leadership roles within dental clinics.

Launched by the American Dental Association in 2025, the ADA Certified Clinic Director is an executive-level credential for dental clinic directors ready to elevate operational performance, strengthen leadership influence and drive measurable clinical outcomes.

“The ADA Certified Clinic Director Program was created to address a critical gap in dentistry: the need for formal leadership and operational training for those leading clinical teams,” said Jennifer Thompson, D.D.S., chair of the ADA Council on Dental Practice. “Whether in private or group practice, community health, or larger organizations, CCD gives clinic directors practical, evidence-based strategies they can use right away to improve performance, strengthen team dynamics and support better patient outcomes.”

The program will provide a structured approach to developing essential leadership capabilities, ensuring clinic directors across all settings have the knowledge and skills to succeed. The six-month program will kick off with a networking event Sept. 25 at ADA Headquarters in Chicago and run from October 2026-March 2027.

Each month, dentists will participate in two live, virtual webinars led by experts and two self-paced e-learning modules. The expected time commitment is six to eight hours per month.

Current clinic directors, dentists transitioning into director roles, multi-site leaders seeking standardization and practice owners are invited to apply. Applications close June 12, but they could close earlier if the program reaches full capacity. The program is worth 35 continuing education credits and costs $3,499 for ADA members and $4,999 for nonmembers.

The 2025-26 cohort included 53 participants from 22 states, plus the United Kingdom and Puerto Rico. Abbas Mohammadi, D.D.S., a clinic director from Connecticut, said he made multiple meaningful changes as a result of his participation in the program.

“I became more intentional about aligning team members with their strengths,” Dr. Mohammadi said. “I learned how to better organize my thinking and approach challenges with a clearer process. I shifted from reacting to issues to leading with structure and strategy.”

To learn more and apply for the 2026-27 program, visit the ADA website.